Carles Alena has chance to show why Mauricio Pochettino wanted him at Tottenham Hotspur

Barcelona defeated Villarreal yesterday to maintain their spot at the top of La Liga. The Blaugrana won 2-0 with the scorer of their second goal perhaps something of an unknown quantity.

Carles Alena grabbed the goal. It was his first ever La Liga striker and his second goal for the Barcelona first-team. His last Barca goal came in 2016 against Hercules in the Copa Del Rey.

It topped off an impressive substitutes performance from the player, who is looking like a future star for Barcelona.

He will now be hoping to get chance in the Champions League next week. With Barca confirmed as group winners they are expected to field a slightly weakened side against Tottenham Hotspur, a game Spurs, realistically, need to win to advance to the next round.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 02: Carles Alena of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on December 02, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

No doubt Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to see him in action again. The Argentine is known to be a fan of the 20-year-old Spaniard.

In the summer of 2017 Spurs were heavily linked with making a move for the player. As reported by AS, Tottenham were leading the chase for his signature with a £2.6 million clause active in his deal at the Nou Camp.

In the end, Alena stayed. However, when the Tottenham boss was spotted watching Barcelona B during the most recent international break, Alena was immediately one of the players it was suggested he might be keen on.

It certainly seems as though Alena is now on the brink of his breakthrough at Barcelona and Tottenham would be right to consider him as a potential recruit.

Next week they might get a chance to see exactly what he can bring. Hopefully, it does not come at the expense of a place in the next round of the Champions League.